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Once you become a registered client of Professional Pet Sitting Etc., you will NEVER have to worry or go through the hassle of finding and researching another pet sitter.  We will always have a back up pet sitter if you need service.  If your pet sitter ever moves away, becomes ill with the flu, becomes hospitalized, their car does not start, has a death in the family, must work full time, etc.  One or two person companies will always have problems, but we have 38+ pet sitters, so you will never have to search again.

The following questions and answers are geared towards our large pet sitting company.  However, to keep you and your pets safe, if you are not able to use our company (maybe you are not in our service area), you can use these questions to ask another Company.  If you must go with another company, please for safety, do your due diligence and research carefully.  You are ALWAYS welcome to call our office, if you have questions, before or after finding another pet sitter.


ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Is Professional Pet Sitting Etc. legal in every way?
    Yes, we have done whatever is required for business.

  2. Is Professional Pet Sitting Etc. registered as a legal business in the state of NH?     
    Yes, our trade name is registered and our logo is trademarked.

  3. Is Professional Pet Sitting Etc. insured?     
    Yes, and we have never had a claim, since 1990.  Because we have Employees, we are required to have insurance.  Anytime a company comes into your home to do anything (roofer, plumber, etc.), you should always make sure that they have liability insurance to protect YOU.  If you have a company that has Independent Contractors and NOT employees, all independent contractors MUST carry their own liability insurance, again to protect YOU.  You can ask companies for a certificate of insurance.

  4. Is Professional Pet Sitting Etc. bonded?     
    Yes, and we have never had a claim, since 1990. Again, because we have Employees, we do have bonding insurance.  If you have a company that has Independent Contractors and NOT employees, all independent contractors should carry their own bonding insurance, again to protect YOU.  You can ask smaller companies for a certificate of insurance.

  5. Is Professional Pet Sitting Etc. a full time business, offering pet care visits 365 days per year, 1 to 4 visits per day?     Yes, we offer pet care services 365 days per year and we can schedule visits AM, mid day, supper and PM.  Only our office is closed every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.  Our office is open and answers phones during office hours - see "contact us" for these hours.  Even though our office is closed, our pet sitters are still pet sitting for all scheduled visits.

  6. How long has Professional Pet Sitting Etc. been doing pet sitting?     Pet sitting since 1990.  Since I started this pet sitting company, I have literally seen 100+ pet sitting companies start up and die.  Running a pet sitting company (or any company) is a lot of hard work.  Many pet sitters do not want to pet sit on weekends, or they will take a few vacations and therefore, you have no service when they are away or if they become sick.  We have 38+ pet sitters to make sure we cover your  pets.

  7. Do you have references?     Yes, see our testimonial section.  Most if not all animal hospitals and animal welfare organizations, do refer to us, however, many have policies that forbid them to refer to anyone.  It is most important to have a business reference, because if a business' clients are not happy, then the business will not refer.  A client reference could be anyone close to the owner of the business (in some cases they can be relatives).  Our policy of non-disclosure forbids us to give out any client information, due to high profile clientele and client personal preference. 

  8. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. have a business phone?  Can I find your business in the yellow pages under the business name?   Yes, if you have an emergency, while you are away from home, you may not always remember our phone number, but you will always be able to find us by calling information, looking in the yellow pages or going online.  We are a business, not a hobby.  This is important for the continued care of your pets if you ever had a delayed flight, cancelled flight, or just wanted to extend a vacation.

  9. Do you have a business checking account, do I make the check out to the business name?     All businesses have a checking account in the business name, so you should always write payments out to the business name, this is important for business trip accounts for taxes or to prove that you paid for services.   Payments to a person, do not have as much legal recourse.

  10. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. accept credit cards?     Yes, we accept Mastercard and Visa.  This helps the many clients who have busy lives and for the unexpected emergency that may come up and pet care is needed in a hurry.

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  1. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. have repeat clientele?     We have repeat clientele over 99% and have well over 3000 pet clients.  Generally, the only reasons people stop using our service is that they move away or unfortunately a beloved pet passes away.

  2. Do you have animal health, care and welfare experience?     Yes, Dori (the owner) has been in animal welfare all of her life and continues her education every year.  Credentials  for Dori and some petsitters are listed in the credential section of this website.   Many of our pet sitters work or volunteer for animal welfare organizations or in the animal field.

  3. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. have Employees or Independent Contractors?     We have EMPLOYEES.  We pay payroll taxes and workman's compensation insurance.  Most small pet sitting companies have Independent Contractors to avoid paying payroll taxes and worker's comp.  If you use another company, you, the client will need to check both the company AND the Independent Contractor's thoroughly - are they registered to do business in NH, do they both have liability and bonding insurance, training, etc.  Every person going into your home, to do any work (plumber, roofer, pet sitter, etc.) needs to have their own insurance because if they fall or hurt themselves on your property or damage your property somehow, it will all fall on your home owner's insurance or worse.  We, as a company, do all of this, so if you choose for whatever reason to go with another company, please check them out thoroughly. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR PETS SAFE.   It has come to our attention that some pet sitting companies are stating that they do police back ground checks - do NOT take this for face value.  They probably do not.  Also, they may refer to their Independent Contractors as "employees" - again, they probably are not.  Ask who they use for Workman's Compensation insurance. 

  4. What is the difference between employees and Independent Contractors (ICs) ? The difference between having employees and Independent Contractors is HUGE.  Employees are hired and fired by the company. The company can tell employees when, where, how, why to do their job.  The company can have the employees sign a non-disclosure, non-compete contract (to ensure your information is not repeated elsewhere). The company can have policy and procedures to make sure that you the client gets the service that they are paying for each time and quality control can be achieved.                                                                                                           Independent Contractors (ICs) are in business for themselves, essentially if the company has ICs then you can cut out the middle man and deal directly with the Independent Contractor, why have the middle man or middle company?  By law, the company can not tell the Independent Contractor when, where, how and why to do their job.  They can give information but essentially the Independent Contractor can do the job the way THEY want and when they want (yes, the company can tell the IC that the job is one visit per day from this date to this date).  There is no non-disclosure/non-compete (your personal information is not protected and the IC is its own business, so therefore can compete).  There is no policy and procedure and no quality control.  No one should be checking up on the Independent Contractor. The Independent Contractor should have their own liability insurance to protect you.  The IC should have their own tools and supplies.  ICs can come and go as they please, working for this family and that family, they can pick and choose what job to do or not, what pet to care for or not, and may not be pet sitting the next time you go away.  The IC is in control because they are in business for themselves.  If that is the case, you are better off dealing directly with the IC to ensure that you have more control of the care and what exactly you want done, plus you want to check up on this person, the way we check up on our employees.                                                                                                                       If you know of ANY company that states they have employees and are NOT paying payroll taxes and do not have Workman's Compensation Insurance, this company is breaking the law, cheating their workers and possibly putting the care of your pets in jeopardy.  A few pet sitting companies offer "House Sitting", this could be an indicator that this company has Independent Contractors due to the fact that Workman's Comp. puts House Sitting in a very high liability category with very, very high prices.  For more information on Employees vs. Independent Contractors contact the State of NH Department of Employment Security.  To the best of my knowledge, we may be the only pet sitting company that has employees in New Hampshire.

  5. Do all of your employees go through a background check?  Are these sitters qualified?     Yes, all potential employees must fill out a thorough application, we call their references, do a police background check, they must go through our long orientation process, sign all of our forms, then they shadow and receive training from a seasoned pet sitter.   If they do not complete each process satisfactorily, then they do not pet sit for us.  We do all of this to keep Prof. Pet Sitting, you and your pets safe.  We do this, so you don't have to.

  6. How many employees does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. have on staff?  How old are your employees?    At present we have over 38 pet sitters on staff.  Our Insurance requires that all of our pet sitters be 21 years or older, at present all pet sitters are over 30.

  7. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. have a written police and procedure handbook?    Yes, all of our pet sitters must follow a 40+ page policy and procedure handbook.   This is to ensure quality pet care for you.  We check up on our pet sitters, a 1 or 2 person pet sitting company does not have anyone checking up on them.  Would you know if they did not go to your home? 

  8. Is my information kept confidential?     Yes, only office staff has access to all information.  Pet sitters only have access to pet care  and veterinary information.

  9. How do I know that a pet sitter has come to my home?     All pet sitters are required to notify the office at each visit.  If a pet sitter has not called in when they are scheduled, the office is calling to make sure that the pet sitter is okay, that they did go to the visit, that the pets are all okay and if something is wrong with the pet sitter (car accident, etc.)  then a back up pet sitter is immediately dispatched.

  10. What if my pet sitter becomes ill or has a family emergency?     This is always a possibility and that is why we have an emergency back up system of 38+ non-related pet sitters. If a pet sitters' family comes down with the flu or has a death in their family, they are all affected.  The pet sitter is required to call their back up pet sitter, who will then take over pet care visits.

  11. Do you offer anything for FREE?    Yes, we have courtesy services of bringing your mail, newspapers or packages and can water a few plants while you are away.  Beware of services that offer too many free things, since 1990, there have been 100+ pet sitting companies start up and die.  Pet sitting sounds like an easy job, so many try it out, however pet sitting is a big responsibility that is 24/7, 365 days per year and it costs money, a lot of money to run any business to ensure continued quality.  If a company offers free or low prices, it may entice you to go with that company, but be careful, this company may be here today but next year when you need them for a family emergency, they may be out of business and you will be searching for pet care again. 

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  1. Are all of your fees written down?    Yes, when you become registered, you will receive an entire fee schedule with your faxed registration.   We will give prices out over the phone when we know what you are looking for.  With today's gas prices and rising costs every where, beware of very low prices for pet sitting.  This is one area, where you will get what you pay for.  Any in-home care will always be more than if you bring your pet somewhere.  Caring for many pets in one place will always be cheaper than one on one in-home care.  The average cost across the US for up to a 30 minute visit can range from $19 - $25 per visit, excluding holidays.  Anything less than that is a company that may not have insurance, is very new, etc.  Again, be careful of lower than average prices.

  2. Does Professional Pet Sitting Etc. offer other services beyond pet care visits?    Yes, please check out "services" on our website.

  3. Can I meet a pet sitter?     Yes, many people who know our reputation as a company choose not to meet a sitter, however, if you would like to meet a sitter, we can schedule a regular visit after your registration.

  4. Will I have the same pet sitter?     We prefer to have the same pet sitter coming and going each time you use our service.  It makes it easier in the office for scheduling and payroll.  It is also easier on the pets as well as the pet sitter, however, if that sitter ever becomes ill, has a family emergency or vacation, it could be anyone of our pet sitters to make sure your pets are cared for because that it top priority.

  5. Can you give my pets medications, if needed?    Yes, we can give a variety of veterinary prescribed medications.  In some areas, our pet sitters are capable of giving insulin injections for diabetic pets and fluids for pets in renal failure.  For those needing injections, if you ever use another pet sitting company, please make sure that the sitter does have experience in administering injections, many do not and do not know the warning signs.  Call our office for further information.

  6. If I register, do I have to use your service right away?     No, once you are registered, you will be a phone call away to schedule pet sitting when you need it.  If you only need us once every 2 years, then we will be here when you need us.

  7. Do I have to give you keys?    No, we have lock boxes for sale.  They mount permanently to your home and you can access with a code.  Most people choose for us to keep keys in their file.

  8. What if I already have a neighbor, friend, relative or another pet sitting company? or I have a child in the neighborhood caring for my pets?     Not a problem.  We have many people who use us as a back up if their neighbor, friend or relative becomes ill or they have an emergency and can not care for the pets.  We are also a backup for many 1 - 2 person pet sitting companies, in case they have a problem.  As for children caring for pets, it is your choice,  But ask your self - will this child recognize a medical emergency with your pet?  Will this child recognize a problem in your home? 

  9. What if I rarely go away, or can't go away due to health reasons?     Again, not a problem.  We have many clients who register with us just in case.  Maybe they only need us for a supper visit to go into Boston for a show once a year.  We are here when you need us, if you need us.

  10. What if I have an emergency such as hospitalization or a death in the family?     Many people who may have health problems, register with us, so if they are unexpectedly rushed to the hospital, they can call us from the hospital.  Or if you have a family member who is far away with health problems, you maybe called at anytime and need to leave.  We will always cover you when someone is ill, hospitalized, or unfortunately, death in your family happens.

 

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  1. What if I have no pets?     Not a problem, we have quite a few people who go away and we come in to check on the house, bring in newspapers, mail, etc.  So it looks like someone is coming and going to keep the house from being too quiet and a possible target.

  2. Can I call the pet sitter directly?     No, our insurance requires all phone calls to come through the office.  Our office is very good at getting messages to sitters, if given enough time. 

  3. How do I get registered with Professional Pet Sitting Etc.?     Just call our office to schedule a time during office hours to complete your registration process.  We do have a registration fee to cover the time to gather all important information about the care of your pets and emergencies, this fee is nonrefundable.

  4. If your phones are busy, how can I get through to you?     We do have two phone lines that come into our office, however, there are many times that we experience a very high volume of calls.  There are days that we receive only a handful of calls and then there are many days that we receive over 100+ calls in a day!!!  You can call 24/7, if you get into our computer answering machine, always leave a message, we will return all phone calls during our office hours.  If both phone lines are busy, you will go into Verizon and the message will state " Hi, you have reached the office of Prof. Pet Sitting Etc. and the NH Pet Sitters' Association.  Our office is experiencing a high call volume.  Please call back in a little while to reach our office computer answering machine to leave a message or to speak with our receptionist.  Please do not leave a message here."  If you do not have time to call back, you can try e-mailing.  E-mails are checked once per day, first thing in the morning, Monday through Thursday.

  5. What if my pet has never been alone? or my pet is not good with strangers?     If your pet have never been alone or you think he/she is not good with strangers, after registration, we can schedule a regular visit and see how your pet reacts to the pet sitter, then we can schedule a trial visit, while you going away for the day.  If that goes well, then we can schedule for longer times you are away.  For the safety of our employees, we can not take on biting or aggressive pets.  Since 1990, there has only been two dogs that we were unable to care for.

  6. Do you have discounts for services?     Yes, for long term clients, please check with our office.

  7. If I sign up for the 6 month plan or the yearly plan, do I pay the full amount up front?    Not unless you want to.  You can pay by check at the beginning of each week, or at the beginning of each month or we can charge your credit card once per month.

  8. Do I have to re-apply when my plan is expired?     No, you are automatically re-applied for another 6 months or 1 year (depending on what your original plan was for).

  9. What if I go to Florida for the winter, is that too long for you to give services?     It is a long time to leave a pet, however, we have cared for pets long term.  I would suggest scheduling with longer visits every now and then, so that your pet does not become too lonely.  We can schedule any amount of time, depending on the pet sitter's schedule.

  10. What if there is a snowstorm?     If there is a big storm, our pet sitters will get to your home as soon as it is possible.  Pet sitter safety is very important.   We do require that all clients arrange for a neighbor, friend, relative or business to make sure that all driveways, walkways and stairs are free of ice, snow and debris for safety of your pets as well as our pet sitters.  If you have ice melt or sand, please leave a note for the sitter and place ice melt/sand by your door and the sitter will be happy to spread some for safe walking.

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  1. My cats have an automatic feeder and automatic litterbox, can you come every 3- 4 days?     No, all automatic devices can and will break.  We prefer to not use them.  We have had many pets go with out food and/or get caught in these devices even though these products say it won't happen.  We prefer that all pets get at least one visit per day, however, our minimum is every other day.  We have seen many things happen and for pets safety, we will always recommend daily visits.

  2. What if I need to cancel?  Please, call our office as soon as possible.  For cancellation of 1 - 2 visits we like to have a 48 hour notice, for reservations of 3 - 4 visits - 7 day notice, 5 or more visits or holiday reservations (a holiday reservation is any reservation where a holiday falls during the reservation or within 7 days before or 7 days after the reservation) , please allow 14 or more days cancellation notice.  Gold Plans need to follow Gold plan cancellation notices.  For Work Day let out, we ask for one month's notice for a week (5+ visits) or more of cancellation.  Cancellation fees are non-refundable, and credit card payments once charged if there is a refund, will only be credit for future services (no exceptions, excluding registration fee).  This allows us to fill in your empty slot, so that the pet sitter and the company do not lose business and we can keep prices as low as we possibly can. 

  3. What if I need pet sitting today?  Call our office as soon as possible, we do pretty well at covering last minute, but we can not guarantee that we can always cover last minute reservations.  The earlier you can call our office, the better.

  4. What if you office is closed?  Our messages are checked once daily, when our office is closed, in case a flight is delayed or there is an emergency.  If you call for a reservation while our office is closed, there will be an added charge for time spent on closed days.  If you make arrangements before you are called with a confirmation, call our office and cancel asap so there will be no time spent calling a pet sitter, pet sitter taking time and gas picking up your keys and care sheets from the office and then time calling you with the conformation.  If we call you with a confirmation and you have not called in a cancellation you will be charged for the time spent.

  5. I would like you to come take care of my dogs, you do not need to do anything with our cats and other pets, they will be fine, is that okay?  Please do not ask us to ignore any pets in your home.  If you are away, we must care for all pets for their health and welfare.

  6. How much do I leave the pet sitter for a tip?  Tips are a personal choice.  It is up to you the amount to leave.  We do ask that you do not include it in your payment and that you leave tips in a separate envelope with pet sitter tip written on the outside. 

  7. What if I did not get a confirmation?  Please call our office to be sure we have you scheduled.  Many times, we have called and left a confirmation message and somehow our message was deleted in the client's home, leaving the client without a confirmation.  We did not know that the client did not get our confirmation and the client did not know that we were all set.   We go to the client's home as scheduled, only to find that the client had made arrangements with a relative because they did not get a confirmation.  Before making any other arrangements, call our office.  99% of the time, you will be covered, but machines do fail and we would rather you call and receive 4 confirmations, than for the above mix up.  When it comes to pet care, NEVER think you are bothering us.  We love reconfirmations.

  
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